Zero-Knowledge Proof Account Verification on Distributed Ledgers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for auditing ownership of accounts on distributed ledger-based networks (DLNs) often compromise privacy and security, and are inefficient and costly, as they require interaction with account owners or exposure of private keys.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) techniques allows for the verification of account ownership without revealing private keys or interacting with the account owner, using self-executing code and smart contracts to facilitate non-interactive proof verification on the DLN.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional auditing methods are used to verify account ownership on DLNs, then ownership verification can be achieved, but privacy and security of account owners are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A zero-knowledge proof mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the account owner and the auditor. This mechanism allows the owner to prove ownership without revealing their identity or private keys. The ZKP acts as a mediator that transfers verification capability while preserving privacy, enabling the auditor to confirm ownership without direct exposure to sensitive information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the necessary verification element (proof of ownership) from the complete set of account information. Instead of requiring the account owner to reveal their identity, private keys, or other personal information, the system extracts and verifies solely the mathematical proof that demonstrates ownership. This selective extraction maintains verification reliability while eliminating privacy-compromising data exposure.
2Reliability
If interactive auditing processes are used to verify account ownership, then verification can be completed, but the process becomes inefficient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The account owner prepares and submits the zero-knowledge proof in advance, before any interaction with the auditor is needed. This preliminary action allows the proof to be generated and validated independently, eliminating the need for back-and-forth interactive verification processes. The auditor can then verify the pre-prepared proof at their convenience, significantly improving auditing efficiency and reducing time costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-verification through the use of self-executing code segments on the distributed ledger. The ZKP mechanism allows the account owner to autonomously generate and submit verification proofs without requiring auditor intervention or interaction. This self-service approach streamlines the auditing process, reducing both time and computational resource costs while maintaining verification reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more embodiments described herein disclose methods and systems that are directed at providing enhanced privacy and security to distributed ledger-based networks (DLNs) via the implementation of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) in the DLNs. ZKPs allow participants of DLNs to prove ownership of accounts on the DLNs without having to necessarily reveal private information such as the private key of the account publicly. As such, the disclosed methods and systems directed at the ZKP-enabled DLNs provide privacy to participants of the DLNs while still allowing the DLNs to remain as consensus-based networks.